I used to genuinely love being in the Territorial Army. It was something different to do at the weekends other than sport and having a beer, and it seemed to be well run and supervised.

Then I went on tour.

My tour exposed my part of the TA for what it is, a unit with a fair few good eggs run by war dodgers, key enablers and Gareths. The blokes who got promoted were the ones who were around the most, i.e unemployed. Not all bad eggs, but quite a lot who got where they were by hanging around the bosses and shouting a lot. From my peer group very few remain, with blokes having moved away, got out after a tour, or drifted away. Whilst groups of lads went on tour, the men manoeuvred into key positions were the ones who simply had never been away. It seems a nightmare to actually be a part time soldier now.

Anyway, I digress. Basically, I'm incredibly disillusioned with my current post. The easy thing to do would be to sign off and hand my kit in, but I enjoy the teamwork and working against adversity that comes with the role. I just want to do it in a well organised and well motivated unit. I don't want to go somewhere with funny coloured hats, as I'm fit but not a superman. I'm just an ordinary bloke who wants to be motivated and enjoy going into the TAC. I've got to the stage now where the only reason that I parade is for the money and bounty, which is something that I believe is wrong. I also want to tour again in a few years, as I'm sure that the Government will sort out an opportunity!

So, suggestions for units in the South (East or West) of England with something a bit different. One suggestion I've had is the FAC Troop. If anyone want to PM me because of PERSEC, feel free.

First, wait for the musical chairs to be announced. Otherwise, you run the risk of jumping ship into something which will not be the same in the future.

Secondly, you are possibly one of those best suited to improve your unit if you chose to do so. If you liked the role and got on well with the blokes then consider taking the steps to put yourself in the position to best support that. Bring your experience to bear in training.

Third - a change is as good as a rest. As mentioned above, consider a few years at a training establishment. Help the next generation to get ready for their time in the TA.

Was this your first tour, is there anyone at your location able to relate to your currant morale.
A lot can happen in six weeks, if the CoC is not a viable option, seek out someone who is.
Bear in mind arrse may be read by your local capbadge.

Good honest description. Joining MI was something I'd considered and I'm currently waiting for the announcement (which seems to have been next month for the last two years).

I'm expecting the TA to focus on those who toured and bring the retirement of a number. Hopefully we get a bit of 'meaningful use', units have to prove their worth. Simply getting soldiers to pass tests and wear the uniform is not enough. Quoting NHS, we need to stop counting (Matt passes, numbers soldiers attested, etc) and look at the outcomes - are we contributing to defence. [using this criteria my old civvy firm scores far higher than my TA unit]

Long time ago I was given the advice that if you want to enjoy your military service, survive it and look back on it fondly through rose coloured specs then go and join the most demanding unit that you can hack physically and mentally.